1. Ministry – Just One Fix (Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs, 1992) [singlepic id=315 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Brutal noise from Chicago’s industrial metal band. Album full of samples featuring famous movie quotes, for example Frank Sinatra’s “I wanna fix! Gimme a fix!” on this track. For those moments when you’re absolutely in no need of melody.
2. The Great Society – White Rabbit (Conspicuous Only in Its Absence, 1968) [singlepic id=318 w=80 h=50 float=left]
The typical San Francisco’67 beat only kicks in after an elaborate Eastern instrumental intro, with snakes being hypnotized while the tempo grows. Grace Slick with her first band, which she founded together with her husband and brother in law after being inspired by The Beatles and… Jefferson Airplane, the band she would later join to record this song with for the second time. Live album that was recorded in 1966 and released in the aftermath of Airplane’s success. Truly recommended to people who like this latter band.
3. Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way (Rumours, 1977) [singlepic id=313 w=80 h=50 float=left]
California ten years later, from an obscure gig to a totally polished radio hit single. Lindsey Buckingham’s song, about his troubles with Stevie Nicks.
4. The Doors – The End (The Doors, 1967) [singlepic id=4 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Travelling back again with the epic end piece of The Doors’ debut album. Molded into its ultimate version (the one that ended up on the record) after intensely touring the LA circuit and performing this song each time at the end of the gig. Covered by Nirvana, Nico and Homer Simpson.
5. Tortoise – Monica (Standards, 2001) [singlepic id=40 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Nothing outstanding, but an album that’s worth to be played once a year. ‘Benway’ from the same album already came by, as it was one of the 10 tracks of the very first shuffle.
6. Pink Floyd – Let There Be More Light (A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968) [singlepic id=95 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Awesome opening track, with the techno-intro being a showcase for Waters’ bass playing. Waters remained as Floyd’s main songwriter on this album, but was still clearly inspired by Barett (and, appearantly, Sgt.Pepper’s). New member Gilmour takes on the lead vocals during the chorus, and plays his first Floyd solo towards the end of the song. About time for a review of this album.
7. Animal Collective – Visiting Friends (Sung Tongs,2004) [singlepic id=312 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Strumming acoustic guitars, and Devendra Banhart like he’s experimenting with a voice scrambler for the first time. Never paid much attention to this album because of the fascination for later work, from the band as well as Panda Bear.
8. Songs:Ohia – Hot Black Silk (Axxess & Ace, 1999) [singlepic id=316 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Opening track from third album. Also one of the highlights, with Molina’s beautiful voice shining on this acoustic singer-songwriter song.
9. Madrugada – Hands Up / I Love You (The Nightly Disease, 2001) [singlepic id=314 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Talking about impressive voices, what to say about about Sivert Hoyem? Norwegian alternative rock band that released some solid albums like this one and The Deep End (2005). And of course they released a live album with the legendary title Live at Trafalmadore, after the alien planet in Kurt Vonnegut’s novels.
10. Steely Dan – Peg (Aja, 1977) [singlepic id=317 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Closing with this magnificent jazzy track from Steely Dan’s sixth and best-selling album. Of course not recorded in a couple of weeks, the guitar solo in this song alone was attempted by no less than eight session guitarists.